Teenage girl killed after family’s car is struck by vehicle in police chase

Wreckage: The scene after the crash, which killed a girl of 13, near the Millwall FC ground in south London (Picture: LNP)

A 13-year-old girl died after the car she was travelling in was struck by a vehicle being pursued by police, Scotland Yard has revealed.

The unnamed teenager was travelling with her parents and brother in a Volkswagen Polo in south London when it was involved in a collision with a Peugeot 308 being chased by a marked police car, which police said has its blue lights and sirens on.

The girl, who was sitting in the back of the car, died at the scene, while her family was taken to hospital with non-serious injuries.

The male driver of the Peugeot is in custody while a female passenger is also in hospital with minor injuries.

Police, ambulance and fire crews attended the scene of the crash, in Ilderton Road, New Cross, at 6.30pm on Sunday.

The scene of the crash, between an industrial estate and a railway line, is close to Millwall Football Club’s stadium.

The collision took place in south London (Picture: Google Maps)

‘An innocent family are now dealing with the tragic loss of a loved one,’ said Metropolitan police commander Tony Eastaugh.

‘The Metropolitan police has now begun a thorough investigation into the circumstances of this terrible incident. The thoughts of our staff and officers are with the family at this time.’

Traffic police and officers from the directorate of professional standards are investigating, while the Independent Police Complaints Commission has also been informed and is investigating the circumstances of the crash.

Parents taking their children to nearby Ilderton Primary School at the start of the new term spoke of their sadness at the teenager’s death.

Nursery assistant Michelle Foster, who was walking her nine-year-old to school, said:

‘I am shocked – I heard the news from another mum as we were walking along to school. I feel very, very sorry for the family.’

Afza Osman, 37, who had dropped her five-year-old off at school, added: ‘It is very, very sad. We cross that road every single day.’

Devon Newell, 32, of Peckham, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving.